Rubicon

Clear skies on the west shore with intermittent gusty winds mid-slope, where snow from Monday's storm was still blowing around.  Winds were moderate to strong along the summit ridge, which was scoured and didn't have snow left for transport.

Monday's snow was 2-3" deep at the trailhead, 5-6" above 7500', with a few deeper pockets of wind deposit. The new snow seemed well bonded to the melt/freeze crust underneath. A few quick hand pits and stomping on wind pillows didn't produce any cracking or signs of instability. On shaded N aspects the snow stayed cold and soft well into the afternoon and skied smooth and fast.

Sunny patches at lower elevations started developing a crust and/or getting gloppy by mid-afternoon. Snow was continuous from the trailhead at 6800', but coverage and skiing were best above 7500'. Lower down many obstacles are poking through or lurking just below the surface.